To support aquaculture and wild catch fishing businesses affected by the South Australian marine harmful algal bloom, RIC today opened applications for the new Marine Recovery Loan.

Farmers attending this year’s Agfest Field Days in Carrick, Tasmania, are encouraged to connect with the Australian Government specialist lender, RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) to explore how low-interest loans can support eligible farm businesses facing tough financial times from drought, natural disasters, biosecurity risk or as a first time farmer and succession planning.

With many producers facing challenging conditions, it’s a great time talk to the Australian Government farm business lender, RIC (Regional Investment Corporation).

Since 2018, RIC, has supported more than 3,500 farm and farm-related businesses nation-wide with loans valued at over $3.77 billion (as at 31 March 2026). This includes more than $44 million in lending to Tasmanian producers.

Farm and farm-related businesses attending this year’s Agfest Field Days, are encouraged to connect with the RIC team, who will be onsite in the TAS Farmers Tent – Site 809, Eighth Ave.

RADIO TRANSCRIPT: RIC CEO JOHN HOWARD SPEAKING TO 2GB RURAL NEWS EDITOR EMILY MINNEY ABOUT THE NEW RIC DROUGHT HARDSHIP LOAN APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN.

RADIO TRANSCRIPT: RIC CEO JOHN HOWARD SPEAKING TO ABC’S CASSIE HOUGH ON ABC SOUTH AUSTRALIA COUNTRY HOUR PROGRAM ABOUT THE NEW RIC DROUGHT HARDSHIP LOAN APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN.

Applications are now open for the new RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) Drought Hardship Loan to assist eligible Australian farmers to pay for operating expenses when facing long-term drought.

RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) today welcomed the announcement from Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins that RIC Drought Hardship Loan applications are now open, complimenting existing RIC low-interest loans, including its Drought Loan.

Learn how low-interest loans delivered by the Australian Government’s RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) can support farmers, aquaculture producers and wild catch fishers affected by significant financial impacts outside their control like drought, natural disasters and the harmful marine algal bloom to manage through and recover, at this year’s South East Field Days in Lucindale, South Australia.

As part of International Women’s Day 2026, RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) celebrates the diverse roles women undertake in agriculture and recognises the power of meaningful support and collaboration enabling women to lead, innovate and grow stronger farming businesses.

Find the RIC team in the Moore Exhibition Centre from 3 – 5 March 2026. RIC will also host a free information session on its loans with the Rural Financial Counselling Service Vic West at 11am on Thursday 5 March in the Country Lifestyle Pavillion.